I'm watching this utterly ridiculous Darius Miles mix, and I'm thinking, "who the hell likes Darius Miles this much? This person can't be American." And sure enough, this person clearly has no grasp of English, or the American body language of a completely not great player. This person is psyched for Darius Miles' return. I didn't even notice he wasn't playing this season until, like, 15 minutes ago.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Micheal Ray Richardson
My first instinct is to make fun of his (supposedly) purposefully misspelled name. But then I keep thinking about D-W-Y-A-N-E Wade and I feel like I might be opening a can of worms that might splash guys I actually like. So let's table the discussion on how you spell Michael.
Micheal Ray Richardson, for those who don't remember, had solid career per game averages of 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 7 assists and 2.6 steals. He was the first guy in league history to lead the league in assists and steals, in his second season, with 10.1 dimes and 3.2 steals per game (that stat seems weird to me, wouldn't you think that would've happened earlier?). Then he got bounced from the league for teaching skiing classes on his upper lip, if you know what I mean. You don't? He was a coke head. At any rate, he's finally found a way to make people not immediately associate his name with drugs:
"I've got big-time lawyers," Richardson said. "I've got big-time Jew lawyers."
Now they'll call him Micheal Ray the Bigot, instead of Micheal Yay Richardson, or Coke Slope Richardson, or Powder, or even Micheal Ray the Potential Nobel Prize Winner.
As a Jew, let me just say I'm so glad he didn't mean it as a "knock." And let me also say that I am indeed crafty. And I am indeed hated all over the planet. But I'm sure all black people don't want to be associated with Richardson, and so, I imagine, most Jews don't want to be associated with me. How many times do idiots like Richardson and Reggie White need to say absolutely ridiculous things like this before people realize that prefacing a racial stereotype as a compliment does not make people of that race receptive? Stuff like this pisses me off enough to call my handlers at the international Jewish conspiracy (the IJC) and make some heads roll. In fact, starting right now, I'm letting all you pale faces know that me and my chosen peeps will be firing all non Jews from our media outlets, law firms, banks, movie studios and delis. Good luck suing someone, making a movie, watching the news, opening a checking account or scoring a roast beef on rye, chumps. We're about to exhibit our craftiness.
Micheal Ray Richardson, for those who don't remember, had solid career per game averages of 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 7 assists and 2.6 steals. He was the first guy in league history to lead the league in assists and steals, in his second season, with 10.1 dimes and 3.2 steals per game (that stat seems weird to me, wouldn't you think that would've happened earlier?). Then he got bounced from the league for teaching skiing classes on his upper lip, if you know what I mean. You don't? He was a coke head. At any rate, he's finally found a way to make people not immediately associate his name with drugs:
"I've got big-time lawyers," Richardson said. "I've got big-time Jew lawyers."
When told by the reporters that the comment could be offensive to people because it plays to the stereotype that Jews are crafty and shrewd, he responded with:
"Are you kidding me? They are. They've got the best security system in the world. Have you ever been to an airport in Tel Aviv? They're real crafty. Listen, they are hated all over the world, so they've got to be crafty. They got a lot of power in this world, you know what I mean? Which I think is great. I don't think there's nothing wrong with it. If you look in most professional sports, they're run by Jewish people. If you look at a lot of most successful corporations and stuff, more businesses, they're run by Jewish. It's not a knock, but they are some crafty people."
Now they'll call him Micheal Ray the Bigot, instead of Micheal Yay Richardson, or Coke Slope Richardson, or Powder, or even Micheal Ray the Potential Nobel Prize Winner.
As a Jew, let me just say I'm so glad he didn't mean it as a "knock." And let me also say that I am indeed crafty. And I am indeed hated all over the planet. But I'm sure all black people don't want to be associated with Richardson, and so, I imagine, most Jews don't want to be associated with me. How many times do idiots like Richardson and Reggie White need to say absolutely ridiculous things like this before people realize that prefacing a racial stereotype as a compliment does not make people of that race receptive? Stuff like this pisses me off enough to call my handlers at the international Jewish conspiracy (the IJC) and make some heads roll. In fact, starting right now, I'm letting all you pale faces know that me and my chosen peeps will be firing all non Jews from our media outlets, law firms, banks, movie studios and delis. Good luck suing someone, making a movie, watching the news, opening a checking account or scoring a roast beef on rye, chumps. We're about to exhibit our craftiness.
Right Thurrrrsday, Son
At least two NBA coaches believe that Houston is planning to play again. Houston, whose contract expires this summer, retired in October 2005 with chronic knee pain. Until then, he remains the second highest paid player in the league at $20.7 million behind Minnesota's Kevin Garnett ($21 million). New York Daily News
I have 2 questions: 1) Why the hell did New York ever dole out 21 million dollars to a glorified Rip Hamilton? 2) How the hell are they considering buying out Francis, who can actually still play, and not Houston? Is there something I'm missing here? Why is Houston even welcome in the practice facility sucking down 21 million dollars to do nothing. He wasn't even close to worth that when he was active. All that said, I would entertain a veteran's minimum contract for Houston if he wants to drain treys for Cleveland...
More than 10 months after it was introduced, the energy drink named for Bulls guard Ben Gordon, BG7, still isn't in stores, and there is no timetable for its release. ''No marketing plans,'' Gordon said Wednesday when asked for an update. ''It's a tough business, any time you go into the food and drink business. ''I don't pay much attention to it. I let those people handle it. When it comes out, it comes out.'' Chicago Sun-Times
I just know there's an exceptional "Red Bull" joke to be made here, but I just can't think of it. I'm sure Bill Simmons is way ahead of me on this...
Ummmmm... that's a dude. I know it's supposed to be a chick, and "she" is surrounded by other girls wearing uniforms that look like hers. So the automatic assumption is that she is also a girl. You know when you're at a bar and your friend is scoping a really tall muscular chick and his mouth is watering, and just then you spot her Adam's apple, and you say, "Dude, that's a dude." And your friend, goes, "what are you talking about? She's super hot!" and you're like, "Okay John Amaechi, but that's a dude." And he doesn't believe you and he leaves with the guy/girl. And the next time you see him he's all, "I don't want to talk about it!" Has that ever happened to you? Well that's what I feel like watching this video. I get it. It's awesome. A chick who can dunk. Except that's a dude.
Before the game, James took a little shot at Marbury's $14.98 kicks, saying he couldn't imagine endorsing a sneaker that cheap.
"No, I don't think so," James said. "Me being with Nike, we hold our standards high."
Marbury, who is friendly with James, was lacing up his Starburys before the game when informed of LeBron's comment. He thought about it for a moment and said, "I'd rather own than be owned."
And I'd rather own then be Pwned! Holy shit, did Bron drop a not-so-subtle dig on Starbury and have it smashed back in his face? New found respect for Marbury. Guess I'll stop calling him Stephanie.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Best Footage Ever
Rony Seikaly? Check. Derrick Coleman? Check. '87 cheese Sportcenter set? Check. Best video ever.
Wednesday Wide World of Sports
Urgy gets sentenced to 14 in the slammer.
Read it Here.
Wait a second, the guys who got attacked with machetes and gasoline survived?
Fuck yeah! Kevin Willis rules:
The Mavericks are going to bring in Kevin Willis for a workout on Thursday to find out if he might be a viable option for their vacant roster spot. This is a sign of how shallow the pool of available big men is. Willis is 44 and while he was one of the most remarkably svelte athletes in the game when he was playing, the 7-footer has been retired since the end of the 2004-05 season. He won a championship with San Antonio in 2003 and last played for Atlanta. Dallas Morning News
Josh Smith is gonna get paid this summer:
It's funny how things work out. Nearly three full seasons since the Class of 2004 entered the league, Smith's steady rise has brought him near the front of the class. And with the entire group eligible for contract extensions this summer, Smith will no doubt be in line for a major raise from the $1.46 million he's making this season. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Stevie and Zeke; a sitcom waiting to happen:
Thomas declined yesterday to sit down with Francis and explain why he's receiving limited minutes, though he did so with the media, saying Mardy Collins is playing better. It's unclear if Thomas and Francis are on speaking terms, and their divorce seems a given this summer. Francis, 30, is not in Thomas' long-term vision. Thomas grew increasingly agitated at questions about Francis' beefs across the last several days and raved incessantly about Collins. New York Post
Pollard and Wesley; going out on top like Bette Davis and Orson Welles:
Scot Pollard, a former Pacer, owns a home in Indianapolis, and his family plans to move back. Asked whether he was planning to retire at season's end, Pollard said: ``We'll see; I'm not sure. This is my 10th season; that has a nice, round feel to it.'' Cavs guard David Wesley has also hinted that he might call it a career after this season. Akron Beacon Journal
This Eastern Conference scout can get busy on my Eastern Conference nuts:
But you have to wonder what building mansions, rubbing elbows with Buffett, and co-hosting the ESPY Awards, as James will do this summer, have to do with achieving greatness on the court. "Does he have the killer instinct of Kobe [Bryant]? Not even close," an Eastern Conference scout said. "But he doesn't even have the talent of Kobe." Newsday
There is actually considerable evidence to support this claim:
"Seriously," Finley said. "The dunk contest has come to a point where we've seen everything. But he has dunks that people haven't seen." Finley said he has seen James White take off from the free-throw line and put the ball between his legs before flushing it through the rim. He also claims White can throw down a two-handed dunk from the foul line. "Nobody's seen that," Finley said. San Antonio Express-News
And here it is:
ESPNspiracy?
Tom Friend of ESPN The Magazine announced on Jim Rome's ESPN-TV show "Rome is Burning" yesterday that Donovan is going to leave (Florida) and replace Pat Riley as coach of the Miami Heat. What's equally intriguing is that an ESPN reporter on an ESPN network show claims the biggest basketball scoop of the season, yet the report is apparently being ignored by ESPN's news operation. AOL Sports
(ESPN responded by saying, "Dude, AOL blows...")
Big Ben; philanthropist:
Wallace is lending his name to the Starbury Movement, endorsing an affordable line of sneakers and apparel started by the New York Knicks' star. Wallace will begin wearing the Starbury II basketball shoe Thursday when the Chicago Bulls play his former team, the Detroit Pistons. And his own sneaker -- Big Ben -- is expected to hit the market in late August or the fall. "Kids don't really understand what it takes to go out and buy a pair of $300 pair of shoes," Wallace said at a news conference on Tuesday. "We don't understand the pressure we put on our parents when we're growing up. This is one of the things where I think the parents will appreciate it a lot more than the kids right now because it eliminates so much stress from the parents. All parents want to see their kids have nice things." ESPN.com / March 27
(Wallace added, "Of course my $15 pair of Starburys will be retro-fitted with a $15,000 dollar pair of diamond studded platinum basketballs, designed by P-Diddy.")
Just a young Serb thoroughbred from the street...:
After the game, Sasha Pavlovic was trying to sing a 50 Cent song. First, Sasha can't rap, at least not in English. Second, he was apparently messing it all up. So Donyell Marshall and David Wesley were trying to explain to him the lyric was "he's a go-getter" not "he's a go get her" as Sasha thought. He wasn't getting it, but it was damn funny watching the two of them attempting to explain what a "go-getter" is in comparison to what he thought "go get her" meant. Akron Beacon Journal
Damon Jones on proper driving safety:
Actor Eddie Griffin made news Tuesday when he wrecked a $1.5 million Ferrari by running it into a wall on a racetrack. The news sent shivers up Damon Jones' spine. Jones owns one of the most expensive cars on the market, a $600,000 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. ``That is scary to think about,'' Jones said of the danger of damaging such a pricey ride. ``You have to drive carefully in it.'' Akron Beacon Journal
(Jones continued, "Now in my '86 Impala? Sheeeit, I'll take down a fifth of Wild Turkey, burn a splif and get behind the wheel of that sumbitch with a blindfold on...")
That's Wednesday so far, chumps. Hit up HoopsHype for all this and more...
Read it Here.
Wait a second, the guys who got attacked with machetes and gasoline survived?
Fuck yeah! Kevin Willis rules:
The Mavericks are going to bring in Kevin Willis for a workout on Thursday to find out if he might be a viable option for their vacant roster spot. This is a sign of how shallow the pool of available big men is. Willis is 44 and while he was one of the most remarkably svelte athletes in the game when he was playing, the 7-footer has been retired since the end of the 2004-05 season. He won a championship with San Antonio in 2003 and last played for Atlanta. Dallas Morning News
Josh Smith is gonna get paid this summer:
It's funny how things work out. Nearly three full seasons since the Class of 2004 entered the league, Smith's steady rise has brought him near the front of the class. And with the entire group eligible for contract extensions this summer, Smith will no doubt be in line for a major raise from the $1.46 million he's making this season. Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Stevie and Zeke; a sitcom waiting to happen:
Thomas declined yesterday to sit down with Francis and explain why he's receiving limited minutes, though he did so with the media, saying Mardy Collins is playing better. It's unclear if Thomas and Francis are on speaking terms, and their divorce seems a given this summer. Francis, 30, is not in Thomas' long-term vision. Thomas grew increasingly agitated at questions about Francis' beefs across the last several days and raved incessantly about Collins. New York Post
Pollard and Wesley; going out on top like Bette Davis and Orson Welles:
Scot Pollard, a former Pacer, owns a home in Indianapolis, and his family plans to move back. Asked whether he was planning to retire at season's end, Pollard said: ``We'll see; I'm not sure. This is my 10th season; that has a nice, round feel to it.'' Cavs guard David Wesley has also hinted that he might call it a career after this season. Akron Beacon Journal
This Eastern Conference scout can get busy on my Eastern Conference nuts:
But you have to wonder what building mansions, rubbing elbows with Buffett, and co-hosting the ESPY Awards, as James will do this summer, have to do with achieving greatness on the court. "Does he have the killer instinct of Kobe [Bryant]? Not even close," an Eastern Conference scout said. "But he doesn't even have the talent of Kobe." Newsday
There is actually considerable evidence to support this claim:
"Seriously," Finley said. "The dunk contest has come to a point where we've seen everything. But he has dunks that people haven't seen." Finley said he has seen James White take off from the free-throw line and put the ball between his legs before flushing it through the rim. He also claims White can throw down a two-handed dunk from the foul line. "Nobody's seen that," Finley said. San Antonio Express-News
And here it is:
ESPNspiracy?
Tom Friend of ESPN The Magazine announced on Jim Rome's ESPN-TV show "Rome is Burning" yesterday that Donovan is going to leave (Florida) and replace Pat Riley as coach of the Miami Heat. What's equally intriguing is that an ESPN reporter on an ESPN network show claims the biggest basketball scoop of the season, yet the report is apparently being ignored by ESPN's news operation. AOL Sports
(ESPN responded by saying, "Dude, AOL blows...")
Big Ben; philanthropist:
Wallace is lending his name to the Starbury Movement, endorsing an affordable line of sneakers and apparel started by the New York Knicks' star. Wallace will begin wearing the Starbury II basketball shoe Thursday when the Chicago Bulls play his former team, the Detroit Pistons. And his own sneaker -- Big Ben -- is expected to hit the market in late August or the fall. "Kids don't really understand what it takes to go out and buy a pair of $300 pair of shoes," Wallace said at a news conference on Tuesday. "We don't understand the pressure we put on our parents when we're growing up. This is one of the things where I think the parents will appreciate it a lot more than the kids right now because it eliminates so much stress from the parents. All parents want to see their kids have nice things." ESPN.com / March 27
(Wallace added, "Of course my $15 pair of Starburys will be retro-fitted with a $15,000 dollar pair of diamond studded platinum basketballs, designed by P-Diddy.")
Just a young Serb thoroughbred from the street...:
After the game, Sasha Pavlovic was trying to sing a 50 Cent song. First, Sasha can't rap, at least not in English. Second, he was apparently messing it all up. So Donyell Marshall and David Wesley were trying to explain to him the lyric was "he's a go-getter" not "he's a go get her" as Sasha thought. He wasn't getting it, but it was damn funny watching the two of them attempting to explain what a "go-getter" is in comparison to what he thought "go get her" meant. Akron Beacon Journal
Damon Jones on proper driving safety:
Actor Eddie Griffin made news Tuesday when he wrecked a $1.5 million Ferrari by running it into a wall on a racetrack. The news sent shivers up Damon Jones' spine. Jones owns one of the most expensive cars on the market, a $600,000 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. ``That is scary to think about,'' Jones said of the danger of damaging such a pricey ride. ``You have to drive carefully in it.'' Akron Beacon Journal
(Jones continued, "Now in my '86 Impala? Sheeeit, I'll take down a fifth of Wild Turkey, burn a splif and get behind the wheel of that sumbitch with a blindfold on...")
That's Wednesday so far, chumps. Hit up HoopsHype for all this and more...
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Jemele Hill: Swagged... Big Time
Wow, what can be said about an article this putrid? Other than just, "wow." Where to begin? When my brother, Ball Hog, called to my attention an article that claims Kobe is not only far and away the best player in the NBA now, but even better than Jordan, I actually got excited. I was expecting a John Hollinger-esque number breakdown with statistics, and coefficients that might tackle the age old problem of comparing the stars of yesteryear with the stars of today. Instead what I got was this. Basically Jemele Hill just says Kobe's better than Jordan, and then backs it up with a bunch of spurious claims about today's players being better than Jordan's colleagues. Not only can she not back up her thesis with any evidence, she can't back up her evidence with any evidence.
"At the very least,Kobe
Says who? I'll certainly entertain the argument. And a convincing one can certainly be made. But that argument could be made before Kobe started increasing his chucking percentage. The bottom line is Allen Iverson could've routinely put up 50 point nights, but that's not so easy to do when you also average 7+ assists per night. Something else that both Kobe and AI share in common is their low FG% (obviously AI's is lower). I don't know when this stat became so inconsequential to Ms. Hill (and everyone else). Can you point out the season where Kobe averaged 30+ pts to go along with 54%FG? I'll save you the trouble, it never happened. Jordan did it twice. In fact Kobe's never even sniffed 50% from the field, including this year, in which he's shooting a career best 47%FG. I agree it's historic what Kobe did(scoring 50+ four times in a row), but he also did it to 4 teams that, barring any miracles, will not be in the playoffs. I might add that none of the 4 teams had guys like Bruce Bowen or Tayshaun Prince covering him. It may still be difficult, but it's obviously easier, to do that against the defensive likes of Mike Miller, Rasual Butler, Brandon Roy and Ricky Davis.
Calling him better than Jordan is a laugh. I agree they're comparable on defense, and in the clutch. Also that they're comparable in their ability to get to the hoop and their competitive ferocity. But Jordan won championships with Bill Wennington, a 90 year old Bill Cartwright, Luc Longley, but no Shaq. Furthermore, Jordan made Pippen, and to a lesser extent Rodman and Harper. Kobe has turned approximately zero players into all stars, let alone even slightly better players. In fact there's considerable evidence to suggest he makes the players around him worse, as they now spend 48 minutes a night standing around watching him play. But that's not to say Kobe's got nobody. Lamar Odom would be an All Star on any other team, Luke Walton's development into a decent player was obviously slowed by learning nothing from Kobe. Bynum's already a better center than Longley and Wennington combined, and just at the beginning of his rise. Kobe's got no Pippen, but his team is not exactly setting the world on fire, so that shouldn't be evidence either way. Yeah Jordan could be a jerk and probably would have had ego competition with Shaq. So? What the hell does that have to do with anything? No serious basketball pundit bases their ranking of Kobe on his off-court arrogance. The bottom line fact is that Kobe's amazing, but he's just no Jordan.
On to the most disturbing of the myriad unsubstantiated statements in this article:
How to sum this up other than calling it what it is? She's jumping on Kobe's bandwagon. And don't get me wrong; Kobe is one of the greatest players to ever lace 'em up. I'd throw his name in with Malone, Drexler, Dr. J, Wilkins, Barkley, Maravich, Havlicek, etc. He's definitely one of the 50 greatest ever. But there's a separate rung that's occupied by a very select few; Jordan, Bird, Magic, Chamberlain and Robertson. Guys who not only dominated, but made their teammates dominate as well. And by those standards, Kobe can't hold a candle.
The issue is you still can't accurately compare the players of then with the players of now. But with this article, Ms. Hill has set the science of trying to compare the eras back 150 years. She has re-invented the wheel... and it's a square.
"At the very least,
Says who? I'll certainly entertain the argument. And a convincing one can certainly be made. But that argument could be made before Kobe started increasing his chucking percentage. The bottom line is Allen Iverson could've routinely put up 50 point nights, but that's not so easy to do when you also average 7+ assists per night. Something else that both Kobe and AI share in common is their low FG% (obviously AI's is lower). I don't know when this stat became so inconsequential to Ms. Hill (and everyone else). Can you point out the season where Kobe averaged 30+ pts to go along with 54%FG? I'll save you the trouble, it never happened. Jordan did it twice. In fact Kobe's never even sniffed 50% from the field, including this year, in which he's shooting a career best 47%FG. I agree it's historic what Kobe did(scoring 50+ four times in a row), but he also did it to 4 teams that, barring any miracles, will not be in the playoffs. I might add that none of the 4 teams had guys like Bruce Bowen or Tayshaun Prince covering him. It may still be difficult, but it's obviously easier, to do that against the defensive likes of Mike Miller, Rasual Butler, Brandon Roy and Ricky Davis.
Calling him better than Jordan is a laugh. I agree they're comparable on defense, and in the clutch. Also that they're comparable in their ability to get to the hoop and their competitive ferocity. But Jordan won championships with Bill Wennington, a 90 year old Bill Cartwright, Luc Longley, but no Shaq. Furthermore, Jordan made Pippen, and to a lesser extent Rodman and Harper. Kobe has turned approximately zero players into all stars, let alone even slightly better players. In fact there's considerable evidence to suggest he makes the players around him worse, as they now spend 48 minutes a night standing around watching him play. But that's not to say Kobe's got nobody. Lamar Odom would be an All Star on any other team, Luke Walton's development into a decent player was obviously slowed by learning nothing from Kobe. Bynum's already a better center than Longley and Wennington combined, and just at the beginning of his rise. Kobe's got no Pippen, but his team is not exactly setting the world on fire, so that shouldn't be evidence either way. Yeah Jordan could be a jerk and probably would have had ego competition with Shaq. So? What the hell does that have to do with anything? No serious basketball pundit bases their ranking of Kobe on his off-court arrogance. The bottom line fact is that Kobe's amazing, but he's just no Jordan.
On to the most disturbing of the myriad unsubstantiated statements in this article:
"Yesterday's NBA player certainly was more fundamentally sound, but there's no question that today's player is bigger, stronger and faster. When
My word that was a mouthful. Are you absolutely shitting me? I agree with the first part, the NBA of Jordan's era absolutely was vastly more fundamentally sound. And I agree that by in large the players of today are physically more terrifying. But why take 4 guys with decidedly suspect defensive capabilities and use them as your example? If you're asking me right now who I'd pick to cover Kobe, Joe D or Vince Carter, I would choose Dumars so fast I'd get whiplash. Is that some sort of joke? For that matter I might consider Starks as well. There are a handful of defensive stalwarts in the league now, but back then the superstars played on both sides of the ball. Is Shaq the most dominant physical presence ever? Yeah. But he's still only a hair better than guys like Olajuwon and Robinson. And in terms of D, I wouldn't hesitate to pick the Admiral 1st.
"Phoenix, Dallas and San Antonio are all better than the Utah, Portland and the Charles Barkley-led
How to sum this up other than calling it what it is? She's jumping on Kobe's bandwagon. And don't get me wrong; Kobe is one of the greatest players to ever lace 'em up. I'd throw his name in with Malone, Drexler, Dr. J, Wilkins, Barkley, Maravich, Havlicek, etc. He's definitely one of the 50 greatest ever. But there's a separate rung that's occupied by a very select few; Jordan, Bird, Magic, Chamberlain and Robertson. Guys who not only dominated, but made their teammates dominate as well. And by those standards, Kobe can't hold a candle.
The issue is you still can't accurately compare the players of then with the players of now. But with this article, Ms. Hill has set the science of trying to compare the eras back 150 years. She has re-invented the wheel... and it's a square.
Rookie Barrage and Mirage: Vol.1
2003 was obviously the best draft class since the one that featured Jordan, Barkley, Stockton and Olajuwon. LeBron, 'Melo, DWayde, Bosh, and Josh Howard are all bona fide A-list stars now. The next tier is stacked with talent as well; Hinrich, David West, Luke Ridnour, TJ Ford, Kaman, Diaw and Barbosa. The C-List stars from that class are also nothing to scoff at; Mikael Pietrus, Darko, Zaza, Nick Collison, Marcus Banks, Sasha Pavlovic, Outlaw, Jason Kapono, Walton, Steve Blake, Willie Green, Korver, Bogans, and James Jones. Rounding out the pack are competent Kendrick Perkins, Brian Cook, Jarvis Hayes, Carlos Delfino and Michael Sweetney. And that's not to mention guys who signed after going un-drafted, which included Marquis Daniels, Matt Carroll, Udonis Haslem and Quinton Ross.
So basically out of one year we got 5 guys who were all stars within 4 years. 5 more who could be all stars next season. 18 starters. And a few guys who we've just scratched the surface of potential with (Barbosa, Darko, Collison, Pavlo and Pietrus). 4 Years later and this class is running the league. Compared with 2002(and don't understand me too fast, it was also an excellent draft class): Amare, Yao, Caron, Tayshaun and Boozer is a fantastic core. There's 4 all stars and a champion in there. The fall off is rather steep after that though; Nenad, Dunleavy, Jr., Gooden, Nene, Wilcox, Flip Murray, Freddie Jones, Nachbar, Ely, Salmons, Dixon, Barnes and Jared Jeffries. That's 4 all stars and 18 players worth even mentioning within 5 years. As opposed to 5 and 37 the next year.
So what about the 2006 class? It's a little early to tell, but the picture's getting clearer. First the guys who obviously can hang at the NBA level. They're not locks to be All Stars any time soon, but they'll all be playing prominent roles 4 or 5 years from now: Bargnani, Roy, Foye, Gay, Rondo, Aldridge, Thomas, Williams, Garbajosa, and Millsap. And I would expect Gay, Roy and Bargnani to be All Stars in the next two or three years. After them are a another string of actually decent players. This class was labeled a bust by many, but I disagree. Lowry, Farmar, Morrison, Reddick, Shelden Williams, Gibson, Carney, Sefolosha, Brewer, Miles, Balkman, Rodriguez, Armstrong, Simmons, Novak, Powe and Adams have all shown flashes. There were several immediate busts, Brown, Brown, Sene, O'Bryant, and more happening every day. But still this class has a wide field of guys getting a chance to shine.
Essentially the draft ebbs and flows with the crop of college talent. Though next year's draft potentially sports two guys everyone agrees will be immediate successes, Oden and Durant, the fall off after that is pretty steep. Some even think Marc Gasol, Pau's chump ass baby brother, could go 1st round. So stars do not, necessarily, a great draft class make. One could even argue this class will be a bigger success than that 2002 class, in that there are way more guys potentially to still be big contributors, 4 or 5 years down the line.
More on this analysis to come...
So basically out of one year we got 5 guys who were all stars within 4 years. 5 more who could be all stars next season. 18 starters. And a few guys who we've just scratched the surface of potential with (Barbosa, Darko, Collison, Pavlo and Pietrus). 4 Years later and this class is running the league. Compared with 2002(and don't understand me too fast, it was also an excellent draft class): Amare, Yao, Caron, Tayshaun and Boozer is a fantastic core. There's 4 all stars and a champion in there. The fall off is rather steep after that though; Nenad, Dunleavy, Jr., Gooden, Nene, Wilcox, Flip Murray, Freddie Jones, Nachbar, Ely, Salmons, Dixon, Barnes and Jared Jeffries. That's 4 all stars and 18 players worth even mentioning within 5 years. As opposed to 5 and 37 the next year.
So what about the 2006 class? It's a little early to tell, but the picture's getting clearer. First the guys who obviously can hang at the NBA level. They're not locks to be All Stars any time soon, but they'll all be playing prominent roles 4 or 5 years from now: Bargnani, Roy, Foye, Gay, Rondo, Aldridge, Thomas, Williams, Garbajosa, and Millsap. And I would expect Gay, Roy and Bargnani to be All Stars in the next two or three years. After them are a another string of actually decent players. This class was labeled a bust by many, but I disagree. Lowry, Farmar, Morrison, Reddick, Shelden Williams, Gibson, Carney, Sefolosha, Brewer, Miles, Balkman, Rodriguez, Armstrong, Simmons, Novak, Powe and Adams have all shown flashes. There were several immediate busts, Brown, Brown, Sene, O'Bryant, and more happening every day. But still this class has a wide field of guys getting a chance to shine.
Essentially the draft ebbs and flows with the crop of college talent. Though next year's draft potentially sports two guys everyone agrees will be immediate successes, Oden and Durant, the fall off after that is pretty steep. Some even think Marc Gasol, Pau's chump ass baby brother, could go 1st round. So stars do not, necessarily, a great draft class make. One could even argue this class will be a bigger success than that 2002 class, in that there are way more guys potentially to still be big contributors, 4 or 5 years down the line.
More on this analysis to come...
Oh Sweet Lord... Y'Know, Wait Just a Second...
It is unlikely that Francis will return next season. The Knicks reneged on a buyout agreement with Francis after Jamal Crawford suffered a season-ending ankle injury. A Cavs source said that the team was made aware of Francis' pending buyout and had internal discussions about acquiring him. New York Daily News
Initially I thought, "Oh great, the Cavs are gonna shell out for some overpaid bum." But then I thought about it. This might not be so bad. If the Knicks buy out Franchise's contract, he'll still bring home something in the region of 30 million over the next 2 seasons from New York. Which means he'll be inclined to accept a bargain basement vet's minimum to play with Bronny. What's more, I think it's safe to assume getting bought out and released by one of the sorrier teams in the league might be the motivation Francis needs to recapture that old fire. He's not that old, and when he wants to he has exhibited that he can still play.
I also think Francis would be motivated to sign a one year deal for the vet's minimum to raise his dollar to sign another fat contract with some poor sucker next year. If Stevie recaptures some of that spark, make no mistake, there'll be a line of chumps waiting to pay him like he's Sam Cassell. Problem is he's no Sam Cassell. But I'd have been happy to take him for the playoffs this year, and certainly for the whole campaign next year. Bottom line is Francis is a steal for under 2 million.
Hughes has been solid running the point for the Cavs, but we need a point guard. A real point guard. That may not be Francis, but for just over a million a year, that's a gamble I'm ready to take. He's never lit it up in the playoffs, in fact I'm not 100% sure he's ever even been to the playoffs, but he's still Steve Francis, one of the best opportunity creators in the league, one of the best rebounding guards, and one of the biggest egos. And that's actually something the Cavs could use a little of. We need some Franchise swagger.
Initially I thought, "Oh great, the Cavs are gonna shell out for some overpaid bum." But then I thought about it. This might not be so bad. If the Knicks buy out Franchise's contract, he'll still bring home something in the region of 30 million over the next 2 seasons from New York. Which means he'll be inclined to accept a bargain basement vet's minimum to play with Bronny. What's more, I think it's safe to assume getting bought out and released by one of the sorrier teams in the league might be the motivation Francis needs to recapture that old fire. He's not that old, and when he wants to he has exhibited that he can still play.
I also think Francis would be motivated to sign a one year deal for the vet's minimum to raise his dollar to sign another fat contract with some poor sucker next year. If Stevie recaptures some of that spark, make no mistake, there'll be a line of chumps waiting to pay him like he's Sam Cassell. Problem is he's no Sam Cassell. But I'd have been happy to take him for the playoffs this year, and certainly for the whole campaign next year. Bottom line is Francis is a steal for under 2 million.
Hughes has been solid running the point for the Cavs, but we need a point guard. A real point guard. That may not be Francis, but for just over a million a year, that's a gamble I'm ready to take. He's never lit it up in the playoffs, in fact I'm not 100% sure he's ever even been to the playoffs, but he's still Steve Francis, one of the best opportunity creators in the league, one of the best rebounding guards, and one of the biggest egos. And that's actually something the Cavs could use a little of. We need some Franchise swagger.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Shocking...
Appearing via phone on the Stephen A. Smith show on ESPN Radio 1050 in New York, Artest said: "I'm not retiring." Citing club sources, ESPN.com's Marc Stein first reported that Artest wanted to retire at season's end. ESPN.com
There's a huge surprise. Artest spoke too soon and now is rethinking his declarative statements. Here's a crazy concept, Ron... SHUT THE FUCK UP. That's it. At all times, just shut up and don't say anything. That way I can avoid having to blind myself with a railroad spike when you inevitably say something stupid and take it back 20 minutes later. Jackass.
There's a huge surprise. Artest spoke too soon and now is rethinking his declarative statements. Here's a crazy concept, Ron... SHUT THE FUCK UP. That's it. At all times, just shut up and don't say anything. That way I can avoid having to blind myself with a railroad spike when you inevitably say something stupid and take it back 20 minutes later. Jackass.
Why Not Send Garnett to Portland??
Zach Randolph is an offensive/rebounding beast. But he's also a discipline case, as evident by his latest stunt (strip club bereavement). They're gonna want to trade him, so they've gotta showcase him. Who would want him now? I'm looking at you Minnesota.
If KG forces a trade, ZR could become an appealing prize to the TWolves. Also considering their point guard woes, a KG for Randolph, Jack, and Miles deal might look awfully sweet. Granted, they're in some sort of rebuilding mode, but Randolph has to be considered the most underrated 25 and 10 guy to ever play the game. Think about it this way, his numbers at the time of the all star break were as good, if not better than, Chris Bosh's in a lot of ways. And at the time of All Star voting, Toronto was not doing a heck of a lot better than Portland. Yet Bosh was a starter for the East and Randolph got snubbed for Josh Howard. Plus Randolph is still young and could compliment guys like Ricky Davis, Randy Foye and Craig Smith better with his offensive tenacity. Jack would be a nice addition and would either light a fire under the collective ass of Jaric/James/Hudson, or walk on and take their jobs. For Portland, obviously, getting KG has got to be considered hitting the jackpot.
The question is; does KG like the feel of Portland more than Minnesota or, for that matter, LA? I actually feel like this could be a very nice fit for him. He's gotta like Nate McMillan, and he's gotta like Roy, Aldridge, Rodriguez, Webster and Outlaw. That seems like exactly the young core he's looking to help him make a march on the finals. Granted, right now they look farther from contention than the TWolves, who aren't even close. But the way Roy and Aldridge have been playing, they could both be serious contributors, if not all stars, next season. Now clearly Garnett is also looking for a vet presence who can "finish." Obviously this is a euphemism for Kobe. But I don't see why he needs that, per se. Brandon Roy is the kind of exciting young guy who has the abilities to become that finisher. And moving for KG doesn't mean the Blazers can't also make overtures for some other type of veteran presence who can help them. For instance, a move for a guy like Jerry Stackhouse (his contract ending), who the Blazers could probably lock up for something in the 2 years at 4-6 million per year range, could make all parties happy, KG, Roy, Wolves, Blazers, et al. And Stack would be exactly the kind of guy Garnett needs; he could fill the same role Sprewell used to: hit open shots created by KG and Cassell (or in this case, Roy).
And Blazers fans, just try and come up with a more lethal starting line than this: C-Aldridge, PF-Garnett, SF- Udoka/Webster/Outlaw, SG- Stackhouse, and PG- Roy. I could see that crew threatening for the West right away. And Portland's the kind of town KG could warm up to; a rabid fan base, a young exciting future, a "player's coach," and it's just gotta be better than Minnesota in terms of... everything except ice fishing.
Plus, assuming the Blazers miss the playoffs again, they'll be in line for another sexy lottery pick in a class that's got some gems. Now is the best time for Portland to make a move for Garnett. For Garnett, he's still got time to take a chance on another long shot before packing it in and headed to LA for the guaranteed domination of teaming up with Kobe. What do you think Blazers fans? Why not KG to Portland?
If KG forces a trade, ZR could become an appealing prize to the TWolves. Also considering their point guard woes, a KG for Randolph, Jack, and Miles deal might look awfully sweet. Granted, they're in some sort of rebuilding mode, but Randolph has to be considered the most underrated 25 and 10 guy to ever play the game. Think about it this way, his numbers at the time of the all star break were as good, if not better than, Chris Bosh's in a lot of ways. And at the time of All Star voting, Toronto was not doing a heck of a lot better than Portland. Yet Bosh was a starter for the East and Randolph got snubbed for Josh Howard. Plus Randolph is still young and could compliment guys like Ricky Davis, Randy Foye and Craig Smith better with his offensive tenacity. Jack would be a nice addition and would either light a fire under the collective ass of Jaric/James/Hudson, or walk on and take their jobs. For Portland, obviously, getting KG has got to be considered hitting the jackpot.
The question is; does KG like the feel of Portland more than Minnesota or, for that matter, LA? I actually feel like this could be a very nice fit for him. He's gotta like Nate McMillan, and he's gotta like Roy, Aldridge, Rodriguez, Webster and Outlaw. That seems like exactly the young core he's looking to help him make a march on the finals. Granted, right now they look farther from contention than the TWolves, who aren't even close. But the way Roy and Aldridge have been playing, they could both be serious contributors, if not all stars, next season. Now clearly Garnett is also looking for a vet presence who can "finish." Obviously this is a euphemism for Kobe. But I don't see why he needs that, per se. Brandon Roy is the kind of exciting young guy who has the abilities to become that finisher. And moving for KG doesn't mean the Blazers can't also make overtures for some other type of veteran presence who can help them. For instance, a move for a guy like Jerry Stackhouse (his contract ending), who the Blazers could probably lock up for something in the 2 years at 4-6 million per year range, could make all parties happy, KG, Roy, Wolves, Blazers, et al. And Stack would be exactly the kind of guy Garnett needs; he could fill the same role Sprewell used to: hit open shots created by KG and Cassell (or in this case, Roy).
And Blazers fans, just try and come up with a more lethal starting line than this: C-Aldridge, PF-Garnett, SF- Udoka/Webster/Outlaw, SG- Stackhouse, and PG- Roy. I could see that crew threatening for the West right away. And Portland's the kind of town KG could warm up to; a rabid fan base, a young exciting future, a "player's coach," and it's just gotta be better than Minnesota in terms of... everything except ice fishing.
Plus, assuming the Blazers miss the playoffs again, they'll be in line for another sexy lottery pick in a class that's got some gems. Now is the best time for Portland to make a move for Garnett. For Garnett, he's still got time to take a chance on another long shot before packing it in and headed to LA for the guaranteed domination of teaming up with Kobe. What do you think Blazers fans? Why not KG to Portland?
Monday Business
Artest's teammates weren't the only ones he told of the news. Friday, he told the editors of www.hiphopgame.com, a Web site for which Artest writes a personal diary. Artest was unavailable for comment before the Kings defeated the Phoenix Suns 107-100 Sunday at Arco Arena, and he did not speak after the game, either. Sacramento Bee
Artest told HipHopGame, "I'm retiring from the Kings, to spend time on my blings, done questing for rings, all the ladies sing. Ronnie's heading to Europe, sippin' on syrup, with my feet in the stirrups..." Get it? It's a rap...The NBA warned Gilbert Arenas on Sunday not to repeat his actions of Tuesday night, when he said he made $10 bets with a group of fans during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers. "We spoke to Gilbert and explained the issue to him," NBA spokesman John Acunto said. "And he assured us he wouldn't do anything like this again." Washington Post
Arenas added, "But I was drafted 2nd round, and I spent the first 40 games of my career riding the bench... Don't I get some sort of special consideration? I'm so under appreciated. I'm going to carry a chip on my shoulder over this, and now every time I play against David Stern and Stu Jackson, I'm gonna guarantee 50 points to make up for this shaming..."
Knicks boss Isiah Thomas has long coveted O'Neal, who has been remarkably loyal to Thomas to this day as the two remain close friends. The Knicks are sliding and will need a boost—O'Neal prefers to play outside now—to complement Eddy Curry. I may be the only one, but I still think Steve Francis has something. Plus, Francis can opt out after next season anyway if things don't work. To match salaries, I'd take Francis, Channing Frye and Hoosier Jared Jeffries, who hasn't worked out that well in New York, to give the Pacers a core to begin working with.
I can see why New York would want JO'Neal, but I can't fathom why the hell Indiana would want Franchise. Unless they've grown so accustomed to malcontents, that having just Tinsley in their locker room is making things too serene.
The Portland Tribune reported that Randolph, while away from the team last week on bereavement leave for the death of his girlfriend's cousin (sounds like quite the family man), hit a strip club while he was home in Indiana and left without paying the bill. The Trail Blazers said he just stopped by.
Yeah, he just stopped by... to get a lap dance instead of playing basketball with his team. Like Artest, some dudes just never learn...
Artestament
But according to a source close to Artest and away from his basketball life, he is very serious about retirement. According to the source, who didn't want to go on record for fear of reprisal, Artest plans to play overseas for a year or two, with hopes that he can put the seemingly nonstop turmoil behind him in a more discreet environment while leaving open the possibility of a return to the NBA. The list of off-the-court transgressions for Artest has only grown this season, from his dog being seized by Placer County in late January to his March 5 arrest on domestic violence charges. Sacramento Bee
Honestly, at this point, does anything this guy does surprise anyone? He could announce that he plans to play for an "overseas team" from fucking Jupiter and I wouldn't bat an eyelash. The only ways this can possibly play out are as follows: 1) Ron is Ron, and within a week, his bi-polar valley will have passed, he'll be back on a peak, and he'll take back everything about retiring and re-re-re-recommit to playing for the Kings. 2) Ron is Ron and he goes to play for Dynamo Bucareste or some other Eastern Euro squad. He loves it in Romania, claims EuroLeague is the new NBA, punches out a ref, starts a riot in downtown Galatz, and has his jersey retired by the KGB. Bear in mind none of this comes as a surprise to anyone. Somewhere Larry Bird is kicking back with an ice cold brew thinking, "I guess Jamaal Tinsley isn't that bad..."
Honestly, at this point, does anything this guy does surprise anyone? He could announce that he plans to play for an "overseas team" from fucking Jupiter and I wouldn't bat an eyelash. The only ways this can possibly play out are as follows: 1) Ron is Ron, and within a week, his bi-polar valley will have passed, he'll be back on a peak, and he'll take back everything about retiring and re-re-re-recommit to playing for the Kings. 2) Ron is Ron and he goes to play for Dynamo Bucareste or some other Eastern Euro squad. He loves it in Romania, claims EuroLeague is the new NBA, punches out a ref, starts a riot in downtown Galatz, and has his jersey retired by the KGB. Bear in mind none of this comes as a surprise to anyone. Somewhere Larry Bird is kicking back with an ice cold brew thinking, "I guess Jamaal Tinsley isn't that bad..."
Best Fantasy Line Ever
In 1986, playing fantasy basketball must've been extraordinarily difficult. Playing by adding up the stats from newspapers. No internet. That must've sucked hard. But Larry made things easier to take. Peep his line from the 1986-87 season. ABSURD.
74 games played, 41 minutes per game, 28 points per game, 53% field goals, 91% free throws, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 1 three pointer, 3 turnovers
That's what you get when KG, Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion are combined into one player with Steve Nash's free throw shooting.
74 games played, 41 minutes per game, 28 points per game, 53% field goals, 91% free throws, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 1 three pointer, 3 turnovers
That's what you get when KG, Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion are combined into one player with Steve Nash's free throw shooting.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Ralph Nader: Stick to Ruining Elections, Let Bronny Stick to Basketball
I am now gonna post an open letter Ralph Nader sent to the King. He asks LeBron to "pressure" Nike to fix the practices of warehouses all over the world where people work in shitty conditions. Let me preface by saying I think Nader is an ass. A well meaning ass with a vision for a wonderful world. A world I wish I lived in. But he doesn't know how to achieve it, so instead he just kicks as hard as he can until something breaks. The best example of this would be his presidential campaign in 2000. He may be pissed about the war in Iraq, but if he's honest, he knows he bears as much responsibility for it as anyone. Had he not run, it is (not a matter of conjecture, but guaranteed) overwhelmingly likely that the bulk of his votes would have gone to Gore and we would live in a very different place. He denies this self evident truth, and that's fine. I wouldn't want to be blamed for Iraq either, but there it is. Stunts like these are just part of his delusion.
March 21, 2007
A few things jump out at me:
1) They give Bronny a deadline. They do it in a polite tone, but they straight up give him a deadline. What are they gonna do when he ignores this? Send Code Pink after him? Maybe Nader could arrange for Cindy Sheehan to brow beat James into submission.
2) These strike me as the kind of fantasy delusions people without money have about people with money. They think LeBron, being a multi-multi-millionaire, would be happy to pass on more millions at their behest. I used to write letters to Bill Gates all the time asking if I could borrow like 100 grand, which proportionally would be like someone asking me to borrow a penny. You may not be shocked to find that Gates never sent me any checks. I hope Nader isn't shocked when Bronny doesn't either.
3) They ask LeBron to use his "unsurpassed influence," and "great negotiating power," to sway Nike to change the world. I think they're underestimating Nike's business savvy. First off, LeBron is in his contract, and won't be re-negotiating for a few years, so I'm not sure what kind of leverage they think he has. Second, Nike has sunk 90Million into just signing Bron, that doesn't count the additional millions they'll spend in marketing/advertising campaigns with him. That means before they even get to production costs and paying the cut that goes to the re-sellers, their profit margin is not looking that big. See where I'm going with this? By the time LeBron is asking them shell out (considerably) more money without taking it out of his paycheck, it starts to become more reasonable for Nike to tell the King to go take a powder. Let me put it this way, LeBron, Kobe, Amare, MJ, Nash, Pierce, Paul, Parker and others all have lucrative deals, and that's just the basketball end of things. As monstrously huge as LeBron is worldwide, if they have to choose between him and profitability, I have a feeling they'll choose profits.
4) Not to belabor the point, but what Nader is exhibiting here is a dearth of business sense. He applauds Marbury's magical $15 "well made" shoe for the streets. And then criticizes the use of Chinese sweat shops. Am I the only to whom it's occurring that a $15 well made shoe is pretty much an impossibility without sweatshops? If they pay people a decent wage to make the shoes, do they not understand that the ballooning in price is not going to be eaten by the manufacturer? It will be taken on by the consumer. You have Starbury's shoes made in LA by minimum wage employees, and that shoe is gonna cost $75. Which is fine, but knock off the wide eyed wonder of a 6 year old. Why can't they just make the shoe and not make a profit? Why can't the government not go to war for oil? Why can't it rain doughnuts instead of polluted water?
Essentially my point is this: Nader's goals are not just admirable, they're laudable and beautiful. I wish the world could work that way. But we don't live in that world. We live in a world that cannot sustain the population it already has, let alone the massive exponential growth of that population. Does he think if he stops sweatshop labor that those employees are suddenly gonna get 401Ks and benefits? While the sweatshop may be hellish, it's better than starving to death because you have no job. This isn't an argument in favor of sweatshops, it's an argument in favor of realism. Until we've found a viable alternative to this economic model, we cannot just kill the model. If Nike has to pay a decent wage, which American workers don't even get, to workers in Malaysia, why the hell have it made in Malaysia? The reality is their options are sweatshop jobs, or no jobs. It's the same as people who are scared of global warming wanting to tax the shit out car makers, as if those car makers aren't going to pass along the losses by laying off workers. Those workers may want their grandchildren's grandchildren to have a beautiful earth to live on 150 years from now, but they also want their own children to have something to eat tonight. Bottom line is either LeBron and Nike both just give away millions (maybe billions) or nothing. There is no middle ground and acting like LeBron need not make a huge sacrifice, only apply pressure, is disingenuous, at best. At worst Nader is pulling a PR stunt to corner LeBron and somehow embarrass Nike into changing. It won't work, and Nike would rather have rotten tomatoes hurled at them from Nader 'til the sky falls than piss away billions. It sucks, it's sad, it's unfortunate, it's called planet Earth. Welcome.
Thanks to TrueHoop for the heads up.
March 21, 2007
LeBron James
Cleveland Cavaliers
Dear Mr. James:
Congratulations on your continued success as one of the NBA’s elite players. Perhaps basketball fans across the world will be able to watch you and the Cavs in the Finals very soon.
As someone who participates in many generous charitable activities, we hope you will be responsive to this appeal.
When last we wrote you in December, 2003 regarding your relationship with Nike and with the workers who produce the Nike products you endorse, you were just one month into your rookie season and six months into your reported 7 year, $90 million contract with Nike. Neither you nor your agent replied to our letter.
Since that time, Nike has admitted, through self-monitoring, that its contracted factories are places where extraordinarily low wages, physical and sexual abuse, restrictions of bathroom use and other human rights abuses take place. Finally acknowledging problems that worker’s rights advocates have been exposing for well over a decade is a responsible step for Nike, as is its important disclosure of factory locations. But this acknowledgment and disclosure does not mean the problems are being addressed.
As we expressed in our previous letter, Nike products are synonymous with sweatshops in developing nations, and the company still chooses to maximize profits on the backs of workers who live in poverty and whose human rights are unprotected. We ask that you support justice for these people.
Mr. James, pro athletes are not unlike most people in this country who tend not to believe that they have the power to influence change. Some, however, know they have the power but are afraid that speaking out publicly could disrupt their positions personally, professionally, commercially, or in the media.
But there are others. For example, athletes like Etan Thomas, Steve Nash, Carlos Delgado, Martina Navratilova, Adonal Foyle, Adalius Thomas, Josh Howard, Adam Morrison and others have all raised their voices against the war and occupation of Iraq.
Stephon Marbury has spoken out in a different way. Through direct action, Marbury has launched his own basketball sneaker, which retails for about $15. He has challenged the entire basketball sneaker industry, in part, to present inner-city kids with an affordable (yet still stylish and well-made) alternative to the $150 shoes that you and others endorse. That Marbury’s shoes, produced by Steve and Barry’s, are made in China suggests it is likely they are manufactured under sweatshop factory conditions, given that independent trade unions are illegal in China. Hopefully Marbury’s efforts toward positive change will soon lead him to address worker’s rights as well.
Mr. James, as someone who enjoys unsurpassed commercial influence and with it, great negotiating power, you are in a unique position to stand up for the people who make the products you endorse. We urge you to let Nike know that you support the rights of those workers by demanding that:
- Nike insist its contractors pay a living wage, under safe working conditions, that allows workers to meet their basic needs, and that Nike pay contractors enough to do this;
- Nike insist its contractors recognize independent unions and that factory management collectively bargain with these unions in good faith; and
- Nike agree to a program of factory monitoring through international unions and human rights organizations that are credible and completely independent of Nike.
You have a chance to make an impact around the world not just with your basketball playing ability, but for your generosity as a human being in helping to improve working conditions for hundreds of thousands of workers.
We look forward to your response. Should you or your agent require more than a letter to respond, we can arrange for two of the workers from Nike factories overseas to travel to the U.S. and meet with you personally so they can convey their eyewitness accounts. Please let us know by April 16, 2007.
Sincerely,
Ralph Nader
Washington, DC
Shawn McCarthy
League of Fans
Washington, DC
A few things jump out at me:
1) They give Bronny a deadline. They do it in a polite tone, but they straight up give him a deadline. What are they gonna do when he ignores this? Send Code Pink after him? Maybe Nader could arrange for Cindy Sheehan to brow beat James into submission.
2) These strike me as the kind of fantasy delusions people without money have about people with money. They think LeBron, being a multi-multi-millionaire, would be happy to pass on more millions at their behest. I used to write letters to Bill Gates all the time asking if I could borrow like 100 grand, which proportionally would be like someone asking me to borrow a penny. You may not be shocked to find that Gates never sent me any checks. I hope Nader isn't shocked when Bronny doesn't either.
3) They ask LeBron to use his "unsurpassed influence," and "great negotiating power," to sway Nike to change the world. I think they're underestimating Nike's business savvy. First off, LeBron is in his contract, and won't be re-negotiating for a few years, so I'm not sure what kind of leverage they think he has. Second, Nike has sunk 90Million into just signing Bron, that doesn't count the additional millions they'll spend in marketing/advertising campaigns with him. That means before they even get to production costs and paying the cut that goes to the re-sellers, their profit margin is not looking that big. See where I'm going with this? By the time LeBron is asking them shell out (considerably) more money without taking it out of his paycheck, it starts to become more reasonable for Nike to tell the King to go take a powder. Let me put it this way, LeBron, Kobe, Amare, MJ, Nash, Pierce, Paul, Parker and others all have lucrative deals, and that's just the basketball end of things. As monstrously huge as LeBron is worldwide, if they have to choose between him and profitability, I have a feeling they'll choose profits.
4) Not to belabor the point, but what Nader is exhibiting here is a dearth of business sense. He applauds Marbury's magical $15 "well made" shoe for the streets. And then criticizes the use of Chinese sweat shops. Am I the only to whom it's occurring that a $15 well made shoe is pretty much an impossibility without sweatshops? If they pay people a decent wage to make the shoes, do they not understand that the ballooning in price is not going to be eaten by the manufacturer? It will be taken on by the consumer. You have Starbury's shoes made in LA by minimum wage employees, and that shoe is gonna cost $75. Which is fine, but knock off the wide eyed wonder of a 6 year old. Why can't they just make the shoe and not make a profit? Why can't the government not go to war for oil? Why can't it rain doughnuts instead of polluted water?
Essentially my point is this: Nader's goals are not just admirable, they're laudable and beautiful. I wish the world could work that way. But we don't live in that world. We live in a world that cannot sustain the population it already has, let alone the massive exponential growth of that population. Does he think if he stops sweatshop labor that those employees are suddenly gonna get 401Ks and benefits? While the sweatshop may be hellish, it's better than starving to death because you have no job. This isn't an argument in favor of sweatshops, it's an argument in favor of realism. Until we've found a viable alternative to this economic model, we cannot just kill the model. If Nike has to pay a decent wage, which American workers don't even get, to workers in Malaysia, why the hell have it made in Malaysia? The reality is their options are sweatshop jobs, or no jobs. It's the same as people who are scared of global warming wanting to tax the shit out car makers, as if those car makers aren't going to pass along the losses by laying off workers. Those workers may want their grandchildren's grandchildren to have a beautiful earth to live on 150 years from now, but they also want their own children to have something to eat tonight. Bottom line is either LeBron and Nike both just give away millions (maybe billions) or nothing. There is no middle ground and acting like LeBron need not make a huge sacrifice, only apply pressure, is disingenuous, at best. At worst Nader is pulling a PR stunt to corner LeBron and somehow embarrass Nike into changing. It won't work, and Nike would rather have rotten tomatoes hurled at them from Nader 'til the sky falls than piss away billions. It sucks, it's sad, it's unfortunate, it's called planet Earth. Welcome.
Thanks to TrueHoop for the heads up.
Artestify
Rappin' Ronnie has to stay away from his family, as he pleaded no guilty to charges that he roughed up his wife, wrongfully imprisoned her and, in a Placer County first, charges that he's an all around prick with a misshapen head. Fortunately for him, those charges are all misdemeanors. You see, in Placer County, there were two cousins, Luke and Bo...
Read the whole thing here, from RealGM.
Read the whole thing here, from RealGM.
Thursday Nuggets
Kobe on the recent Dallas Morning News article claiming he contacted Kevin Durant to pitch him for Nike:
"That's crazy. Don't just print something that's just completely false that makes no sense whatsoever. It's just really unprofessional." Los Angeles Times / March 21
Look, I like Kobe as much as the next guy (read: not at all). And he is maybe the best player on the planet. Nonetheless, his less than sterling reputation, and the Dallas Morning News' basic competence leads me to believe that Kobe's full of shit. It would be one thing if Kobe said, "hey, I admit calling him, but I was just giving him some advice." Or, "hey I called him, but it was just to see if he was mad at me for sleeping with his mother." But Kobe's insisting no contact was made, and the Dallas paper that reported he called Durant on behalf of Nike to throw money at him is simply making up stories as part of the now famous "witch hunt." They should call it a "bitch hunt," 'cause that's what Kobe is. I believe him like I believe Barry Bonds.
On Greg Oden and gooey memories:
Oden disliked basketball as a kid; he preferred riding bikes with his cousins. He didn't play in an organized league until he turned 9, when he and Zoe moved from Buffalo to Terre Haute, Ind. He started playing at the Boys & Girls Club, but his body couldn't catch up with his gangly limbs. Zoe could see his disappointment after a game, and he would cheer up only after she took him to Wendy's for a Frosty. MSNBC.com
I had the same deal with my mom. Only she saw my disappointment after play practice, and I would only cheer up after she took me to Starbucks for a double foam moccachino frappe lemonade double venti non fat espresso.
Greg Oden on freedom:
"College life has been great because I've had my freedom," Oden said. "I have my own place [which he shares with Conley], I can stay up all night, eat what I want, do what I want." Boston Globe
Yeah, I gotta tell you, ever since I was drafted by an NBA team, and started making millions of dollars a year, I get so annoyed with the way my parents have cracked down on my freedom. I used to get to stay up 'til 11:30, even midnight. But since I started pulling down the big bucks, mom says I have to be in the house and tucked in by 7:30 pm. Man college was freedom...
On Pippen's return:
Jackson indicated that signing Pippen was a possibility when the Lakers' roster was decimated by injuries to Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, Kwame Brown, Vladimir Radmanovic and Chris Mihm. Injuries could have allowed the Lakers to add Pippen, but Jackson seems unlikely to ruffle the roster at this point. "I talked to Scottie about it and he said he didn't want anybody to lose a job," Jackson said. Los Angeles Daily News / March 21
I get the feeling this wasn't so much a matter of Pippen not wanting to take someone's job, as Pippen not even being able to take someone's job. Pippen went on to say that the popcorn vendors' jobs at Staples Center were all safe... for now...
Sarunas Jasikevicius on regret:
“I wanted to play in the NBA, I had to try. But I made a bad decision. It was a big mistake to sign with the Pacers. The Warriors game is good for me, but I have had very few chances to prove it. I have a good relationship with Don Nelson but he has the star, Baron Davis, and the future starting point guard, Monta Ellis. I understand that. What I don't understand is why they didn't trade me when they could." El Mundo Deportivo
Yeah, no shit dude. Why the hell you didn't sign with the Cavs is beyond me. Let's do the list; we offered you more money, we offered you the starting job, we offered you the chance to pass the rock to the greatest player to ever lace 'em up, and the chance to play on the same team as one of your best friends from back home (Z). You chose to go pour champagne on hookers' heads with Stephen Jackson and the rest of the criminals on Larry Bird's hit squad (no offense meant to Larry, all praise due unto him...). Now that you've been traded from one team with a glut of guards to another team with a glut of guards, I bet Cleveland's looking a lot more attractive now... chump.
On teammates:
Lakers forward Brian Cook, who has missed three games because of a moderately sprained left ankle, did not accompany the Lakers on their two-game trip. Los Angeles Times
When asked for comment, Kobe replied, "Who the fuck is Brian Cook?
Nene on dual loyalty:
"Right now I only think about the NBA. But if I decide to return playing with the National Team, changes have to be made. Unfortunately, I think I won't play the Panamerican and the pre-Olympic tournaments." Prensa Latina
The Nuggets breathe a sigh of relief, as they now get to have the pleasure of seeing Nene's next season ending injury happen on their home court, rather than in satellite feeds from Rio.
"That's crazy. Don't just print something that's just completely false that makes no sense whatsoever. It's just really unprofessional." Los Angeles Times / March 21
Look, I like Kobe as much as the next guy (read: not at all). And he is maybe the best player on the planet. Nonetheless, his less than sterling reputation, and the Dallas Morning News' basic competence leads me to believe that Kobe's full of shit. It would be one thing if Kobe said, "hey, I admit calling him, but I was just giving him some advice." Or, "hey I called him, but it was just to see if he was mad at me for sleeping with his mother." But Kobe's insisting no contact was made, and the Dallas paper that reported he called Durant on behalf of Nike to throw money at him is simply making up stories as part of the now famous "witch hunt." They should call it a "bitch hunt," 'cause that's what Kobe is. I believe him like I believe Barry Bonds.
On Greg Oden and gooey memories:
Oden disliked basketball as a kid; he preferred riding bikes with his cousins. He didn't play in an organized league until he turned 9, when he and Zoe moved from Buffalo to Terre Haute, Ind. He started playing at the Boys & Girls Club, but his body couldn't catch up with his gangly limbs. Zoe could see his disappointment after a game, and he would cheer up only after she took him to Wendy's for a Frosty. MSNBC.com
I had the same deal with my mom. Only she saw my disappointment after play practice, and I would only cheer up after she took me to Starbucks for a double foam moccachino frappe lemonade double venti non fat espresso.
Greg Oden on freedom:
"College life has been great because I've had my freedom," Oden said. "I have my own place [which he shares with Conley], I can stay up all night, eat what I want, do what I want." Boston Globe
Yeah, I gotta tell you, ever since I was drafted by an NBA team, and started making millions of dollars a year, I get so annoyed with the way my parents have cracked down on my freedom. I used to get to stay up 'til 11:30, even midnight. But since I started pulling down the big bucks, mom says I have to be in the house and tucked in by 7:30 pm. Man college was freedom...
On Pippen's return:
Jackson indicated that signing Pippen was a possibility when the Lakers' roster was decimated by injuries to Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, Kwame Brown, Vladimir Radmanovic and Chris Mihm. Injuries could have allowed the Lakers to add Pippen, but Jackson seems unlikely to ruffle the roster at this point. "I talked to Scottie about it and he said he didn't want anybody to lose a job," Jackson said. Los Angeles Daily News / March 21
I get the feeling this wasn't so much a matter of Pippen not wanting to take someone's job, as Pippen not even being able to take someone's job. Pippen went on to say that the popcorn vendors' jobs at Staples Center were all safe... for now...
Sarunas Jasikevicius on regret:
“I wanted to play in the NBA, I had to try. But I made a bad decision. It was a big mistake to sign with the Pacers. The Warriors game is good for me, but I have had very few chances to prove it. I have a good relationship with Don Nelson but he has the star, Baron Davis, and the future starting point guard, Monta Ellis. I understand that. What I don't understand is why they didn't trade me when they could." El Mundo Deportivo
Yeah, no shit dude. Why the hell you didn't sign with the Cavs is beyond me. Let's do the list; we offered you more money, we offered you the starting job, we offered you the chance to pass the rock to the greatest player to ever lace 'em up, and the chance to play on the same team as one of your best friends from back home (Z). You chose to go pour champagne on hookers' heads with Stephen Jackson and the rest of the criminals on Larry Bird's hit squad (no offense meant to Larry, all praise due unto him...). Now that you've been traded from one team with a glut of guards to another team with a glut of guards, I bet Cleveland's looking a lot more attractive now... chump.
On teammates:
Lakers forward Brian Cook, who has missed three games because of a moderately sprained left ankle, did not accompany the Lakers on their two-game trip. Los Angeles Times
When asked for comment, Kobe replied, "Who the fuck is Brian Cook?
Nene on dual loyalty:
"Right now I only think about the NBA. But if I decide to return playing with the National Team, changes have to be made. Unfortunately, I think I won't play the Panamerican and the pre-Olympic tournaments." Prensa Latina
The Nuggets breathe a sigh of relief, as they now get to have the pleasure of seeing Nene's next season ending injury happen on their home court, rather than in satellite feeds from Rio.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Vince Carter Hires On-Court Assistant
Johnny Stee back again - with an interesting bit of news:
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—New Jersey Nets shooting guard Vince Carter announced Wednesday that he had hired an on-court assistant to handle all his non-scoring-related basketball duties. "I'm proud to introduce Miss Juliet Werner, who will be dribbling for me, setting my picks, attempting to get me steals, doing my passing, and all other manner of stuff that's been getting in the way of my shot," Carter said in a press conference held to introduce the 5'4" Werner to the public. "Juliet will be my right hand, especially as I concentrate on dunking with my left in order to become a more complete player." The NBA has not commented on Carter's hiring of Werner except to say that, because she will be paid by Carter and not the Nets, her statistics will be treated as a subset of his.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—New Jersey Nets shooting guard Vince Carter announced Wednesday that he had hired an on-court assistant to handle all his non-scoring-related basketball duties. "I'm proud to introduce Miss Juliet Werner, who will be dribbling for me, setting my picks, attempting to get me steals, doing my passing, and all other manner of stuff that's been getting in the way of my shot," Carter said in a press conference held to introduce the 5'4" Werner to the public. "Juliet will be my right hand, especially as I concentrate on dunking with my left in order to become a more complete player." The NBA has not commented on Carter's hiring of Werner except to say that, because she will be paid by Carter and not the Nets, her statistics will be treated as a subset of his.
Magic Courting Chauncey?
This is intriguing as hell to me. Chauncey in Orlando kills 3 birds with 1 stone. First, Orlando gets the veteran leadership they'll need when Battie is no longer starting, and Grant Hill finally faces the music and retires. Second, the Magic get the solid shooting stroke and extra scoring punch provided by one of the best pure shooters in the league (maybe the best clutch shooter in the business). Third, the Magic get one of the best point guards in the league, and then have a great trading chip in the expendable Jam Nelson (who becomes worthless with the arrival of Billups). The Magic were feeling gun shy about giving Nelson a fat extension based on his inconsistent play, this way they can let him walk, or sign & trade him for another piece. Now supposedly this would all cost the Magic Darko, but I don't see why. No way Detroit is after Darko, so what're they gonna do, just let him walk? For the 6-8 mil range, I feel like Darko's a steal. So they give Howard 85 mil, they give Chauncey 3 or 4 years at 14 per. They really oughta have money left for Darko at 7 per. Now tell me there's a more evil starting line than Darko, Dwight, Chauncey, Hedo and ________ (insert name here). They would cut a bloody swathe through the Eastern Conference.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Right Now: The PussyCat Dolls Must Be Destroyed
Watching basketball on Sunday has become painful (when it's not on TNT or FSN). It must be made clear now and forevermore: if basketball has a "soundtrack," those songs should mostly be hip hop. The reasons: it is clearly the music of choice of most of the league, it is the most popular music form on the planet, it actually fits the game, which is a constant changing of beats as the ball bounces. The game basically is a hip hop song. The opening tip is the intro, ala "Big L rest in peace..." at the start of Full Clip by Gang Starr. You'll often hear that in a hip hop song, not so often in rock, country, or (ugh) swingy-broadwayish-musical theatre type crap. Then there is that brief pause as the guy recovers that opening tip and the beat starts with the dribble. Then a player makes a drive, or a series of passes and shots take place which is like the rhyme. Try watching the Suns with the volume off on the TV and some hip hop, doesn't matter what kind, on in the background. Ever wonder why all the best Youtube highlight reels are to hip hop? The ones to Metal or Alternative just sound ridiculous. If you can't see that, you're blind.
Now I understand the league's push to court whitey as viewers, and I have no problem with it. The league needs to make money, and I want them too, so they don't stop televising games everywhere. If it becomes unprofitable, it'll be like Hockey, harder to see. So if you want to get back those 40-65 year old white guys that used to be your bread and butter, at least make the music a rock song. When I turn on NBA Sunday on ABC and hear the Pussycat Dolls do this unbearably obnoxious Broadway number "Right Now," with the lyrics modified for basketball. It makes me want to gouge out my eyes. It would be an unstoppably annoying song on its own, but making it the theme song of basketball is criminal. If David Stern and ABC want some sort of a happy medium, they should try "Walk This Way." Run D and Aerosmith. If that's not the frickin' Oslo accords of marketing strategies, I don't know what is. Either that or "Bring the Noise" by Public Enemy and Anthrax...
Now I understand the league's push to court whitey as viewers, and I have no problem with it. The league needs to make money, and I want them too, so they don't stop televising games everywhere. If it becomes unprofitable, it'll be like Hockey, harder to see. So if you want to get back those 40-65 year old white guys that used to be your bread and butter, at least make the music a rock song. When I turn on NBA Sunday on ABC and hear the Pussycat Dolls do this unbearably obnoxious Broadway number "Right Now," with the lyrics modified for basketball. It makes me want to gouge out my eyes. It would be an unstoppably annoying song on its own, but making it the theme song of basketball is criminal. If David Stern and ABC want some sort of a happy medium, they should try "Walk This Way." Run D and Aerosmith. If that's not the frickin' Oslo accords of marketing strategies, I don't know what is. Either that or "Bring the Noise" by Public Enemy and Anthrax...
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Whatever Happened to Ricky Davis?
I certainly am no fan of the guy. I was glad to be rid of him in Cleveland, still, looking at this highlight reel of nasty dominating offensive prowess (culminating in an absolute posterization of Steve Nash) you have to wonder what happened to that explosiveness that Minnesota could so desperately use. I take responsibility for his shit night last night in Oakland; I was mercilessly heckling him every time he touched the ball. But he's not that old, and he can still do it. RD needs to turn it on to maintain relevance in this league. As James Gammon so famously put it in Major League, "we wear caps and sleeves at this level, son."
Friday, March 16, 2007
Smoketown Beat Down
I just got back from the Warriors Wolves game tonight, to which I had 11th row tickets. Golden State looked better tonight than I've seen 'em all year. They exhibited something I haven't seen from them... ever: defense. They held the Wolves to 36% from the field tonight, including an embarrassing 16% from downtown. I can't imagine what a quiet plane ride the Wolves are gonna have tonight. KG looked scary. It wasn't that he was pissed, or fired up, or disappointed. KG looked like he didn't give a shit anymore. After all the years he's put into this team, it was just heartbreaking to see the warrior, KG, broken. He's checked out, and I for one can't wait to see him in LA next year. He and Kobe will be flat out unstoppable.
For the Wolves, there were few bright spots. Foye had maybe his best game of the year, but it was mostly garbage numbers. KG was the only pulse on the court, save for rookie Craig Smith, who I was very impressed with. Even though his numbers don't show it, he far outplayed Foye. Mike James barely made it off the bench, logging 11 minutes that didn't start until late in the 3rd quarter. It's clear that honeymoon is long over. But the worst performance award has to go to Wrong Rim Ricky Davis, who had a humiliatingly awful night, exacerbated by my non stop heckling. If this game was televised anywhere, I bet I made it on TV. I was yelling for RD to screw up so hard I lost my voice.
For the Warriors, J Rich, BDiddy and SteJax all had nice outings, but Monta Ellis stole the show. I've seen him before, but until you see him in person, you just don't understand. This kid is the future of the NBA. And the future looks bright. He hit jump shots, cut through the TWolves defenses, passed, dunked, he did it all tonight. Some of his drives to the hoop looked like LeBron moves, being done by a guy half his size. He had no trouble dropping soft kisses off the glass against everyone on Minnesota, from KG to RD and he even played a little defense. But the run of the night goes to Mikael Pietrus, another dude with an extremely bright future. In the middle of the second quarter, he hit back to back threes and then got an alley-oop from Jason Richardson that brought the house down. Then he came right back 2 plays later and drained another 3.
I also had a good night, as I cavorted with 2 of the sexier Golden State cheerleaders. I didn't catch their names, so I'll just refer to them as my first and second wives.
For the Wolves, there were few bright spots. Foye had maybe his best game of the year, but it was mostly garbage numbers. KG was the only pulse on the court, save for rookie Craig Smith, who I was very impressed with. Even though his numbers don't show it, he far outplayed Foye. Mike James barely made it off the bench, logging 11 minutes that didn't start until late in the 3rd quarter. It's clear that honeymoon is long over. But the worst performance award has to go to Wrong Rim Ricky Davis, who had a humiliatingly awful night, exacerbated by my non stop heckling. If this game was televised anywhere, I bet I made it on TV. I was yelling for RD to screw up so hard I lost my voice.
For the Warriors, J Rich, BDiddy and SteJax all had nice outings, but Monta Ellis stole the show. I've seen him before, but until you see him in person, you just don't understand. This kid is the future of the NBA. And the future looks bright. He hit jump shots, cut through the TWolves defenses, passed, dunked, he did it all tonight. Some of his drives to the hoop looked like LeBron moves, being done by a guy half his size. He had no trouble dropping soft kisses off the glass against everyone on Minnesota, from KG to RD and he even played a little defense. But the run of the night goes to Mikael Pietrus, another dude with an extremely bright future. In the middle of the second quarter, he hit back to back threes and then got an alley-oop from Jason Richardson that brought the house down. Then he came right back 2 plays later and drained another 3.
I also had a good night, as I cavorted with 2 of the sexier Golden State cheerleaders. I didn't catch their names, so I'll just refer to them as my first and second wives.
Who's Afraid of the IRA? And Other Friday Foolishness
If Ira Newble truly wants to find a team that would offer more playing time, he holds a player option on his contract for the 2007-08 season. But agent Steve Kauffman isn't going to let him walk away from a $3.4 million contract since he'd be a minimum-salary player on the open market. Despite his recent upsurge, Newble probably isn't going to get a lot of minutes since he plays the same position as James. Willoughby News-Herald
If the Notorious IRA wants to get paid more than 3.4 million dollars for his services, he better learn to rap. 'Cause he sure as shit isn't gonna get paid that much to play basketball.
Reserve center Scot Pollard told the team he regretted looking into a TV camera during a recent game and saying, ``Hey kids, do drugs.'' Pollard was sitting on the bench in street clothes when he made the remark during a 20-second timeout in Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers. ``It was a bad joke,'' Pollard said in Thursday editions of the Plain Dealer. ``That's all it boils down to. There are a number of things people could say about it, but it just turned out it was a bad joke. Obviously, I don't believe that.'' Akron Beacon Journal
Obviously.
The Nets' Antoine Wright isn't backtracking about slams he put on his college "education" at Texas A&M. But he says he aimed his controversial comments at all colleges, not just A&M. "I don't regret what I said, but I regret doing the interview," said Wright, who on HBO's "Costas Now" said his high school courses were tougher than those at A&M, where athletes were "in poultry science for a reason . . . to get this grade [not] learn about chickens." New York Post
Only way I'm watching this show is if Marbury has Francis on as his guest and the two of them rate the top ten most overpaid players of all time.
If the Notorious IRA wants to get paid more than 3.4 million dollars for his services, he better learn to rap. 'Cause he sure as shit isn't gonna get paid that much to play basketball.
Steve Francis told several NBA players of the buyout talks and that he was hoping to sign with Houston, where he lives during the offseason.
New York Daily News
Reserve center Scot Pollard told the team he regretted looking into a TV camera during a recent game and saying, ``Hey kids, do drugs.'' Pollard was sitting on the bench in street clothes when he made the remark during a 20-second timeout in Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers. ``It was a bad joke,'' Pollard said in Thursday editions of the Plain Dealer. ``That's all it boils down to. There are a number of things people could say about it, but it just turned out it was a bad joke. Obviously, I don't believe that.'' Akron Beacon Journal
Obviously.
The Nets' Antoine Wright isn't backtracking about slams he put on his college "education" at Texas A&M. But he says he aimed his controversial comments at all colleges, not just A&M. "I don't regret what I said, but I regret doing the interview," said Wright, who on HBO's "Costas Now" said his high school courses were tougher than those at A&M, where athletes were "in poultry science for a reason . . . to get this grade [not] learn about chickens." New York Post
Wow, he really ripped the lid off that scandal. I think there were still 5 0r 6 people out there who didn't know athletes get a free ride at schools with competitive athletic programs.
The ratings for Marbury's premiere TV talk show with Kobe Bryant, "Stars on Stars" received a .1 rating (75,000 homes). While that would seem modest, a FoxSportsNet spokesman said the total is 15 percent higher than the programs shown in that Friday time slot the past three months. Marbury's second show is today at 4:30 p.m. Knicks superfan/filmmaker Spike Lee will be Marbury's guest. The show will be replayed Sunday at 2 p.m. and Monday at 3:30 p.m. New York Post
Only way I'm watching this show is if Marbury has Francis on as his guest and the two of them rate the top ten most overpaid players of all time.
G Walls: Get Yer Dollar Up
Gerald Wallace is one of my favorite players in the game right now. Both as a multi pronged Fantasy WMD, and as a solid, versatile swingman. He's one of the few guys in the league that can give Bronny and Kobe fits, he can shoot from anywhere on the court, he's a high flying dunksmith, and he's the polar opposite of Artest in terms of media whoring. He's everything you wanna see out of a combo guard-forward, with the exception of a nagging injury bug that has caused him to miss 154 games over the last 6 seasons. He's the best offensive player and best defensive player on the young Bobcats. So this little bit from the Sacramento Bee is pleasing:
Come July, though, Wallace will have options. He is considered among the top free agents available. The Bobcats seem to place Wallace as a priority and have the spending room to follow through, but they are also amid change. Michael Jordan, the team's managing member of basketball operations, announced Tuesday that coach-general manager Bernie Bickerstaff won't be courtside next season, though he likely will retain his upper-management duties. Still, Wallace said he likes the direction of the franchise. "It feels pretty good to me, the way the organization is going and the way they're putting everything together," Wallace said. "I like the guys they're (bringing) in, so it's pretty much a good situation for me here." Wallace had it good against the Kings, with his squad winning despite his struggles against Ron Artest. The Kings small forward held Wallace to 13 points on 5-for-13 shooting, and Wallace fouled out with 3:37 remaining.
I haven't liked a Gerald this much since this guy.
Come July, though, Wallace will have options. He is considered among the top free agents available. The Bobcats seem to place Wallace as a priority and have the spending room to follow through, but they are also amid change. Michael Jordan, the team's managing member of basketball operations, announced Tuesday that coach-general manager Bernie Bickerstaff won't be courtside next season, though he likely will retain his upper-management duties. Still, Wallace said he likes the direction of the franchise. "It feels pretty good to me, the way the organization is going and the way they're putting everything together," Wallace said. "I like the guys they're (bringing) in, so it's pretty much a good situation for me here." Wallace had it good against the Kings, with his squad winning despite his struggles against Ron Artest. The Kings small forward held Wallace to 13 points on 5-for-13 shooting, and Wallace fouled out with 3:37 remaining.
I haven't liked a Gerald this much since this guy.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
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